ON/OFF CAMPUS Design by Louise James
DANCE, LEARN AND DEBATE Are the Societies on our Campus ready for the year ahead?
Raise your hand if a pint with a group of like-minded people was your prime objective when joining a Society last year. With the appearance of you-all-know-what, everything has had to be moved online. Does that mean that the ratio of academic versus social activities will swing in favour of the former? I've asked some great team leaders to see what their Societies are up to this year, what events they are planning to hold, and what their opinion is on the VPSA's handling of the situation. Cameron Irons, the president of the Mooting Society, seems to be optimistic about the upcoming year. It appears that the changes they had to adapt are parallel to the ones real courts had to introduce themselves. "Mooting involves mock simulations of an appeal court process. It involves students appearing as counsel with a judge presiding over the appeal," he says. "Although only six people usually appear in the mock court at one time, it is looking like our only option will be to embrace online technology. This approach would reflect the way the real courts and tribunals system are hearing cases and conducting trials, so it would be both insightful and productive for our members to experience this new means of conducting court work." In regards to the social events, Cameron points out: "We have decided not to have a ball
We are making no empty promises about a hugely social year, but what we have promised is the same fantastic competitions and fun yet important training albeit in a new form. 30
at all, irrespective of the slight chance of relaxed restrictions. Pub crawls and fundraising could possibly happen in the future but the UDMS has taken a very realistic approach to planning the calendar for the year. We are making no empty promises about a hugely social year, but what we have promised is the same fantastic competitions and fun yet important training albeit in a new form." "The VPSA has been fantastic in supporting us with many grey areas regarding Freshers’ and future events. Kellie is quick with response and totally enthusiastic about the year, as should all Societies," he concludes. If you think that debating will be difficult, think of holding online dance classes. It appears that the Latin Dancing Society has a fascinating plan to overcome the social distancing obstacles. Markéta Novotná, the president of the Society, sees a positive aspect of it all: “Moving our classes online is challenging since all the dances we teach are danced in couples. However, with the possibility of making the routines solo, while keeping the dynamics and vibe of the dances, we are trying to get a space in Dalhousie Drama studio, so we can broadcast the classes online.” “While using wireless microphones, we will concentrate our teaching on